Understanding What Are Project Deliverables and Its Types

A project deliverable is a tangible or intangible product, service, or result produced as a part of a project that is intended to be delivered to a customer, sponsor, or end user. From tangible artefacts such as prototypes and hardware to intangible entities such as software and documentation, the diversity of deliverables mirrors the multifaceted nature of projects across industries.

This Story also Contains

1. What is a Deliverable?
2. What Does Deliverable Mean in Project Management?
3. Types of Deliverables
4. What Happens to a Deliverable After It is Created?
5. Conclusion

Beyond their physical or digital existence, deliverables carry the weight of expectations, milestones, and the collaborative effort invested by project teams. This article explores what is project deliverable, their significance, types, and the subsequent steps involved in managing them effectively. Consider some of the Project Management Certification Courses listed on our website if you are interested in gaining more knowledge in this field

What is a Project Deliverable?

A project deliverable is the final outcome or product generated through a project's lifecycle, that is delivered to the client upon the pre-agreed terms. It represents the culmination of various tasks, activities, and processes carried out during the project. Deliverables can take diverse forms, including documents, prototypes, software, hardware, reports, or any other tangible or intangible item that meets the project's requirements.

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What is a Deliverable?

In a broader context, a deliverable is simply something that must be delivered, typically within a specific time-frame and meeting predefined criteria. Deliverables are the tangible or intangible results that are produced as part of a project to meet its objectives. They are the building blocks that contribute to the overall success of the project.The deliverables clearly outline the final outcome of the development process, including the further operational arrangements.

What Does Deliverable Mean in Project Management?

In project management, deliverables are the key components that contribute to the project's success and are crucial for satisfying stakeholders' expectations. They serve as measurable outcomes against which project progress is assessed. Understanding what constitutes a deliverable is fundamental for effective project planning, execution, and control.

Types of Deliverables

Understanding what are project deliverables is akin to comprehending the project's DNA, unlocking the blueprint for effective planning and execution. From tangible artefacts that can be seen and touched to intangible outcomes that shape the project's intellectual landscape, the types of deliverables encapsulate the breadth and depth of project achievements.

This explores the different categories, shedding light on tangible and intangible distinctions, major and minor delineations, and the pivotal role each type plays in steering a project toward its objectives. Project deliverables can be classified into various types based on their nature and purpose. Some common types of deliverables include:

Tangible Deliverables

Tangible deliverables are physical items that are produced as a result of a project. This category includes prototypes, hardware components, equipment, or any other physical products that can be touched or seen. Tangible deliverables often play a crucial role in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and product development.

Intangible Deliverables

In contrast to tangible deliverables, intangible deliverables are non-physical outcomes of a project. This category encompasses items such as software, documentation, training materials, or any intellectual property that is not a physical product. Intangible deliverables are common in software development, research projects, and service-oriented industries.

Internal Deliverables

Internal deliverables are products or results that are used within the organisation, providing value to the project team or the company itself. These deliverables may include process documentation, internal reports, or prototypes that are crucial for project development but not directly provided to external stakeholders.

External Deliverables

External deliverables are outcomes that are delivered to external customers, sponsors, or end users. These are the final products or services that the project is intended to produce. Examples include a finished software application, a completed building, or a training program delivered to external clients.

Major Deliverables

Major deliverables are key outcomes that significantly impact the project's success. These are often high-profile elements of the project and are closely monitored by stakeholders. Major deliverables could include the completion of a critical phase, the delivery of a flagship product, or the achievement of a major project milestone.

Minor Deliverables

Minor deliverables are smaller outcomes that contribute to the overall project but may not have a substantial impact individually. These could be interim reports, prototype revisions, or any other smaller components that, when combined, contribute to the successful completion of the project.

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What Happens to a Deliverable After It is Created?

After the process of creating a project deliverable, a critical journey begins—a journey beyond the realms of creation that explores the intricate post-creation phases. This pivotal stage is marked by a series of strategic steps, each designed to ensure the deliverable's quality, alignment with project objectives, and ultimate success. This article explores the details of what happens to a deliverable after its creation:

Verification

After a deliverable is created, the first step is verification. This involves a thorough examination to ensure that the deliverable meets the specified requirements and standards. Verification is essential for catching any discrepancies or errors early in the process.

Validation

Following verification, the deliverable undergoes validation to ensure that it satisfies the customer or end user's expectations and needs. Validation is a critical step in confirming that the deliverable aligns with the project's objectives and fulfils its intended purpose.

Approval

Once the deliverable is verified and validated, it requires formal approval from relevant stakeholders or clients. Approval is a crucial milestone that signifies acceptance and readiness for the deliverable to move to the next phase of the project or to be delivered to external parties.

Documentation

Detailed documentation is created to record information about the deliverable. This documentation includes specifications, changes made during the creation process, validation results, and formal approvals. Comprehensive documentation is essential for future reference, auditing purposes, and to ensure transparency in the project.

Distribution

The approved deliverable is then distributed to the intended recipients. This may involve providing the final product to external clients, sharing it with other project teams, or making it accessible to end users. Distribution ensures that the deliverable reaches its target audience in a timely and organised manner.

Archiving

Finally, the deliverable and all associated documentation are archived for future reference. Archiving involves storing information in a secure and easily retrievable manner. This step is crucial for lessons learned, compliance, and potential future audits. The Operations & Maintenance Agreement is prepared and implemented upon by both the delivering and the client teams.

By following these steps in the post-creation process, project managers can ensure that deliverables are of high quality, aligned with project objectives, and effectively contribute to the overall success of the project.

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Conclusion

Project deliverables play a pivotal role in project management, serving as the tangible results that contribute to a project's success. Understanding what constitutes a deliverable, the types involved, and the subsequent steps in managing them is crucial for project managers and teams. By effectively creating, verifying, validating, and delivering project outcomes, organisations can enhance their project success rates and meet stakeholders' expectations with confidence.